Possessing a car was in the early sixties for many a dream finaly coming true.

The popular Fiat 1100 fulfilled with brio the needs of many. For those with a more refined taste and for who could afford it, Lancia offered the Appia. But some were more exigent... Lancia approached a few coachbuilders asking them to create an exclusive little car on the Appia platform.

Allemano, Boano, Ghia, Pininfarina and Vignale presented special bodies on this Appia chassis. Ultimately, a coupé design by Pininfarina was picked up by Lancia to be offered by their dealers.

Exclusivity means rarity: only 1.087 examples were manufactured, mainly by Pininfarina and at the end of production also some by Viotti.

This particular Appia Pininfarina Coupé on offer, is an interesting 3rd series, already featuring for several years on my wish list. Apart from the stylish Pininfarina design, the 3rd series offers the best performing V4 engine of the range (60 HP) and the central shift gearbox. But above all, this Pininfarina Coupé benefitted from a complete nut & bolt restoration by her previous Swiss owner and enthusiast Lancia collector.

This restoration is very well documented. The final result in two tone dark blue body & white roof with a cream cloth interior is just fabulous!

Can the combination of exclusivity, rarity and quality still be affordable?